b. False
The rail system in Metropolis is a natural monopoly. If the government regulates the
system by setting the fare equal to marginal cost, which of the following will be true?
a. Profit will be zero under regulation.
b. Only normal profit will be earned under regulation.
c. Accounting profit will be zero under regulation.
d. Economic loss will occur under regulation.
e. Profit will be higher than if the monopoly were unregulated.
Suppose a price-taking firm produces 400 units at its optimal output level. At that
output rate marginal cost is $200, average total cost is $240, and average variable cost
is $170. What can you determine about the market price that would force the firm to
shut down in the short run?
a. It equals $200.
b. It is between $170 and $240.
c. It is less than $170.
d. It is between $170 and $200.
e. It equals $240.